Sun & Moon

FIFTY ONE

The sky is beginning to darken, but it still feels bright. The moon glows against a gentle lavender hue the same time the sun gleams across from it. Doyoung breathes in the atmosphere, feeling both at ease and slightly anxious. He arrives at Taeyong's home and waits in his car. Moments later, Taeyong virtually flies out of the door, running to the car as his dark hair flops up and down.

He gets in the front seat and places a small container at his feet as he buckles in his seatbelt. He takes off his glasses to wipe them with his shirt before he says, "Thanks for meeting up with me." Taeyong looks at Doyoung and smiles softly, but deep down in his heart, he still feels a small bit of guilt.

Things are not as awkward as Doyoung had thought it would be. Perhaps it's because he had no expectations, or perhaps he's just grown as a person, but whatever it is, Doyoung is grateful that he can allow his friendship with Taeyong to continue existing. "Where to?" he asks.

Taeyong shakes his head. "It's a surprise. Close your eyes until we get there."

Doyoung sighs. "I'm driving."

"Oh."

The two stare at each other in silence before breaking out into laughter. "You know, you set standards for stupidity," Doyoung says after they calm down a bit.

"Hey, I have to be the best at something," Taeyong replies with enthusiasm. "Anyways, we can't have you driving blindfolded, unfortunately, so I'll just tell you the directions."

Doyoung nods and smiles to himself. "Lead the way."

. . .

The drive begins in a sort of complacent silence. Taeyong looks out his window and watches the scenery flash by as he hums a small tune to himself. Doyoung listens and smiles the smallest smile.

After a while, Taeyong stops and turns to look at Doyoung. Although Doyoung doesn't look back, he can feel the stare on the side of his neck. It makes him curious and fidgety, yet he can't bring himself to say anything.

Taeyong breaks the quiet first. "I'm a regular anchor now," he says slowly. Doyoung laughs a bit because to him, Taeyong sounds like a small child, bragging in hopes of hearing some approval in return.

"That's great. You deserve it."

"But you know, a while ago, one of the producers asked me if I could set up an interview with you."

Doyoung takes in the information, and he immediately understands. He lets out a small, exclamatory breath. "Well, did he ever bring it up later? More recently?"

"Enter the highway here!" Taeyong exclaims after glancing at his phone. He continues, "No, he didn't. Possibly due to recent events. But I still feel like I owe a lot to you. Like, I was able to get here thanks to you."

"Not at all," Doyoung says quickly as he smoothly drives onto the highway. "Your achievements are yours. You got here with your own skill, don't credit your success to anyone but you." He silently smiles to himself when he realizes how familiar his words are.

"Oh." Taeyong blinks in realization. He doesn't attempt to hold back his wide grin. "Thanks. I guess you're right." He leans his head against the window. "I was going to say no anyways. Wouldn't even dream of selling out a friend for my own success."

The sun begins to set as the moon rises.

. . .

When Taeyong said he wanted to take Doyoung somewhere, Doyoung expected a nearby restaurant or something. He had definitely not expected the two-hour drive all the way to Incheon. The sun had been long gone by the time they arrived. The sky is pitch black with only a full moon as the source of light.

Doyoung heaves out a groan as he finally steps out of the car. "All the way to Eurwangi Beach? Seriously?" He looks up at the sky. There is the twinkling of an airplane heading towards the nearby Incheon Airport. "What are we doing here?"

Taeyong takes out the container he had brought and reveals it to be a small cooler. "Chicken and soda! I would have brought beer, but I don't think there's a chauffeur service willing to drive us two hours back. Heh." Taeyong scratches the back of his neck sheepishly.

"What makes you think I'm willing?" Doyoung asks with an exasperated sigh.

"I can drive back!"

Doyoung stops and ponders for a bit. He's never seen Taeyong drive, but for some reason, he can't imagine Taeyong being any good at it. He quite likes his car so he decides against it and exhales in defeat. "Nevermind."

The confirmation makes Taeyong skip towards the beach.